Current Topics in Phytoremediation
SEFS 524 (previously known as SEFS 521B)
2 credits
Course Description:
In this course, we will first have an overview of phytoremediation, the use of plants to solve environmental pollution problems. The rest of the meeting times will be presentations of current papers by the students followed by class discussion.
2 credits based on the student presentation of a paper, a short writing assignment that summarize the papers presented, and overall class participation in discussions. We meet (winter quarter 2016) Wednesdays 10:30-11:20 in Winkenwerder Hall room 105
*Although the course is designed for graduate students, advanced undergraduates are welcome to take the course as well.
a) Oral Presentation: Select a current research article from a reputable journal on the topic of phytoremediation of either organic or inorganic pollutants (depends on the date you are presenting). Prepare a PowerPoint presentation with background, results, and discussion. Send the paper to the class at least 4 days prior to aid in class discussion.
Example topics:
Organic Pollutants
Solvents: TCE, CT
Explosives: TNT, RDX
Pesticides/Herbicides
Petroleum/BTEX
Recalcitrant pollutants: PAH’s and PCB’s
Inorganic Pollutants
Mercury
Arsenic
Cadmium or selenium
Radionuclides
b)Written Paper
Summarize in 1-2 pages the phytoremediation strengths and weaknesses for the two major classes of pollutants (organic and inorganic), using the presented papers as the examples
Syllabus (Winter Quarter 2016):
January 6: Prof. Doty will give an overview of phytoremediation technologies. Students will then sign up for a topic and a presentation date.
January 13: [Phytoremediation of metals]
January 20: [Phytoremediation of metals]
January 27: [Phytoremediation of metals]
February 3: [Phytoremediation of metals]
February 10: [Phytoremediation of metals and organics]
February 17: [Phytoremediation of organics]
February 24: [Phytoremediation of organics]
March 2: [Phytoremediation of organics]
March 9: [Phytoremediation of organics]
Finals week: The short paper should be turned in via e-mail to Prof. Doty (sldoty@uw.edu) by Friday March 18
Disability Accommodations
To request academic accommodations due to a disability, contact:
Disability Resources for Students
011 Mary Gates Hall
uwdrs@uw.edu
206-543-8924 (V/TTY)
Academic Conduct
At the University level, passing anyone else’s scholarly work (which can include written material, exam answers, graphics or other images, and even ideas) as your own, without proper attribution, is considered academic misconduct. However, for this course, it is not acceptable to copy and paste from a source, even when properly attributed, as it defeats the purpose of the assignment of researching and learning about the topic. When you submit the writing assignment, note your VeriCite score. If it is flagged as potential plagiarism (25% or higher), rewrite the flagged sections in your own words. Plagiarism, cheating, and other misconduct are serious violations of the University of Washington Student Conduct Code (WAC 478‐120). We expect that you will know and follow university policies on cheating and plagiarism. Any suspected cases of academic misconduct will be handled according to university regulations. For more information, see the College of the Environment’s Academic Misconduct Policy and the Community Standards and Student Conduct website.
Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy (https://registrar.washington.edu/staffandfaculty/religious-accommodations-policy/). Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of this course using the Religious Accommodations Request form (https://registrar.washington.edu/students/religious-accommodations-request/).